combust

American  

[kuhm-buhst] / kəmˈbʌst /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to burn.

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combust British  

/ kəmˈbʌst /

adjective

1. astrology (of a star or planet) invisible for a period between 24 and 30 days each year due to its proximity to the sun

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verb

1. chem to burn

Etymology

Origin of combust

1325–75; Middle English < Latin combūstus (past participle of combūrere to burn up, equivalent to com- com- + -ūs- variant stem of ūrere to burn + -tus past participle suffix; -b- by misanalysis of ambūrere, another derivative, as am- + -būrere )

Example Sentences

But they have downsides—costly materials, a China-dominated supply chain that concerns Western governments and a tendency to combust if you’re not careful.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

If they overheat or combust in your checked bag in the cargo area of a plane, it may take a while for anyone to notice.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2025

The devices contain lithium-ion batteries which, when damaged, can spontaneously combust.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2025

"Modern landfill facilities already capture, upgrade and combust their gas emissions for electricity generation, however, our process creates a much more environmentally impactful and commercially valuable product," he said.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2024

But I couldn’t say anything because the subject of death made me pale and feel cold except for the very tip of my nose, which was heating up like a match head about to combust.

From "Dead End in Norvelt" by Jack Gantos